Page 14 - OPTA Access Spring 2021

WATCH JEFF'S VIDEO STATEMENT
JEFF HOHL, PT, DPT
Thank you for taking the time to read each of the candidates’ statements. I’m qualified for this position based on my experience and understanding of the issues facing physical therapy. I’ve worked in a variety of settings and seen firsthand the challenges facing the OPTA mission including the goals of membership and advocacy.
In both leadership and staff therapist roles, I’ve had the opportunity to share with colleagues the values instilled upon me as a student. Values enhanced by continual involvement in the OPTA, but I have also seen the lack of mission focus in the ranks of therapists in these settings. I’m grateful for the mentors who guided me to a better understanding of advocacy and advancement of the profession.
So much, in fact, that as East Central District Chair since 2015, I have assisted our leadership team to stress the importance of growth by grassroots efforts. Most notably, the East Central District Student Symposium, which aligns our district's strongest assets, our colleges and universities to impress upon the student population that same understanding – that representation through membership is valuable!
Given the opportunity, I will utilize my experience and understanding to take a measured approach to the issues presented at the state and national level. As a delegate, I plan to influence the issues of membership and advocacy of governmental policies, as well as improving the reimbursement climate to further the mission of the OPTA and physical therapy profession for the betterment of therapists in all settings.
Thank you!
NANCY LANDGRAFF, PT, PhD
As a 41-year member of APTA, I would be honored to serve as a delegate in 2021. I have served on committees, state chapter boards, and as a delegate. In 2020, I served in the first-ever virtual house, and
am serving as the alternate delegate this year. I bring to the delegation the perspective of an academician, and also the understanding of accreditation for our PT programs and what it takes to educate our future professionals. I represent my university to the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy and have an appreciation of the educational initiatives that affect our students. In the Youngstown State University PT program, we promote association membership and leadership within it to develop commitment in our future leaders. Serving as a delegate I have access to students and faculty to weigh in on topics of importance and their professional concerns. I recognize that as a delegate, I represent the membership and will solicit input and feedback from the members in our state. I have many ways to do this and will make this a priority as I serve. My strengths for this office are I respect and understand the process of governing. I have an extensive network of colleagues and graduate physical therapists in Ohio that I can access to discuss issues to inform my voting. I have experience with the process of motions, discussions, and being prepared. Finally, I believe in the governing process of the profession through the APTA House of Delegates.
TRACY MOODY CESSNA, PT, DPT
I first want to say thank you for my nomination as delegate. It is a great and humbling honor to be considered for this position that has such an impact on our profession. I graduated from Wheeling Jesuit University’s DPT program then moved to Philadelphia where I worked in a continuous care facility for one year. I moved back to my home state of Ohio and have been in the Cincinnati area since 2009 where I have primarily worked in outpatient orthopaedics and sports medicine.
I have been an active leader in the Ohio Southwest District for eight years, holding several positions including state affairs chair, education coordinator, and district chair for the past two years. My role in the district
has provided me the knowledge of current events as well as members’ current concerns. I sharpened my leadership and problem-solving skills with the help of the L.I.F.E. Series Leadership Academy. Thus, I believe that I have a strong foundation to help solve problems/issues that confront our profession.
I am a passionate practicing clinician who thrives on learning new things, enjoys reading, desires to lead, and yearns to improve the profession. I pride myself on basing my treatments in evidence-based practice, and I would carry these clinical based skills into the role of delegate. I believe I would make a great addition to the already outstanding delegate team, and I thank you for your time and consideration of this position.
WATCH NANCY'S VIDEO STATEMENT
WATCH TRACY'S VIDEO STATEMENT
14 | March 2021 | OPTA